Something’s fishy update: I plan on using the upcoming weekend to check out a few local spots and see if I can’t secure the Big Night dinner favors. I’m leaning towards the idea of sea salt – scrub for the ladies, grinders for the gents. Possibly something from one of my local faves, AllSpice?

Speaking of East Village hot spots, the Haas family gathered at my favorite Des Moines restaurant, Luna Bistro, tonight to celebrate one of our favorite ladies – my mom! We settled into our table and raised our glasses to cheers to her recent birthday and her brand new knee. Chef Kris always has something exciting in store for us and his recently revealed winter menu did not disappoint. I went with the grilled romaine salad, chicken kiev and chai spice creme caramel dessert. I know I say this every time I talk about this place, but you really are missing out if you don’t stop into this hidden gem.

Do you watch Downton Abbey? If not, you are missing out big time. I started watching the award-winning show last year after catching up and have been obsessed with it ever since.

SPOILER ALERT: Don’t continue reading if you haven’t started watching it this season.

So as you may know Lady Mary and Matthew FINALLY got hitched in the first episode of the season (hooray!!!) and from the small amount of footage, it looked absolutely beautiful. I am obsessed with Lady Mary’s jeweled headpiece and let’s chat about her flowers. Gee, they looked a little bit like ours – yellow and white arrangements spilling out over urns. LOVE IT!

[Left: Lady Mary and Downton Abbey wedding flowers, Right: my wedding flowers]

Episode two airs this Sunday at 8 p.m. CST and you best believe I will be glued to my couch with a glass of wine in hand. (Catching the Golden Globes red carpet looks and Tina/Amy opening monologue before and the season premiere of GIRLS on HBO after, obviously.)

Hope you all have a great weekend!